Medium porosity hair is characterized by hair that allows an easy flow of moisture through the hair strand. This means that moisture can penetrate easily into the strand and is also retained for a longer period of time. Medium porosity hair is more susceptible to heat damage due to its higher moisture retention. Also, due to the increased moisture retention, medium porosity hair is prone to split ends and breakage. When caring for hair of this type, its important to consider products and create a routine that will help the hair maintain its balance and health. But first, let's discuss how you can determine your hair's level of porosity.
How to Easily Determine Your Hair Porosity: Low, Medium, or High
To determine your hair's porosity level, you can use a simple water test and a few observations of how your hair behaves with moisture and products. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Step 1: Start with clean, product-free hair. Wash your hair thoroughly to ensure there's no residue from conditioners or styling products.
- Step 2: Fill a clear glass with room-temperature water.
- Step 3: Take a single strand of hair and place it gently on the surface of the water.
- Step 4: Observe what happens.
Low Porosity: If the hair floats on top for a while before slowly sinking, it indicates low porosity. This means your hair cuticles are tightly packed, making it harder for moisture to penetrate. So your hair likely takes a long time to get fully saturated with water, feels product build-up easily, and takes a long time to dry. If this is you, you can find tips for low porosity hair here.
Medium Porosity: If the hair floats in the middle of the glass, it suggests medium porosity. Your hair cuticles are looser, allowing for a balanced amount of moisture absorption and retention. Your hair probably absorbs and retains moisture well, and it generally holds styles well with a moderate drying time.
High Porosity: If the hair sinks quickly to the bottom, it indicates high porosity. Your hair cuticles are more open, allowing moisture to enter easily but also making it prone to losing moisture quickly. Your hair probably absorbs water quickly but also dries quickly, often feels dry or frizzy, and is prone to tangling and breakage. You can find tips for your high porosity hair here.
Medium Porosity Hair Tips
Step 1: Start with Gentle Shampoo
- Choose a sulfate-free, clean shampoo that gently cleanse the hair without stripping its natural oils
- When shampooing, focus the shampoo towards the roots and scalp of your hair, rather than the tips. This will remove excess oil and buildup from the scalp.
- Use lukewarm water when rinsing the shampoo
- For medium porosity hair, try the Honey Health and Repair Shampoo for retained moisture.
Step 2: Condition and Detangle
- Focus on the mid-to-end length of your hair when conditioning
- After applying the conditioner, go in with a wide tooth comb to spread the conditioner down the length of your hair and detangle your hair while the conditioner is in.
- Leave the conditioner in for about 5-10 minutes, depending on how dry your hair feels
- Rinse off with cool water to seal the cuticles and retain more moisture in your hair
- For best results for medium porosity hair, use the Honey Health and Repair Deep Conditioner.
Step 3: Maintain and Style With Leave In Conditioner and Curl Cream
- Use a detangle spray and leave-in conditioner after shower and add in a daily moisturizer in between wash days for the perfect moisture boost to your hair.
The best product line for medium porosity hair is the Honey Health and Repair collection. Let us know what your hair journey results are in the comments below!
